Chapter 36: A Story That Comes to a Pause

Levi moved with astonishing speed; under his control, the omni-directional mobility gear seemed like an extension of his own body. In the blink of an eye, he covered a hundred meters, living up to the title of "humanity's strongest soldier." Yet Sikong Xu was no slower. Although he hadn't used the mobility gear for long, his monstrous ability, "Infinite Martial Cultivation," allowed him to instantly master anything once he understood its mechanics. Thus, both raced toward the front lines at breakneck speed.

When Sikong Xu had suggested accompanying him, Levi had scoffed. He had neither the time nor the patience to wait for a mere trainee fresh from the corps. Yet, to his surprise, the trainee kept pace even at Levi's full speed—a feat that piqued his curiosity.

"This kid..." Levi glanced at Sikong Xu, his expression tightening at the intangible sense of threat emanating from him. In all his years, no one else had ever made Levi feel this way. Though he paid Sikong Xu a bit more attention, Levi’s coarse nerves didn’t dwell on it. After a few glances, he focused on the journey ahead.

"He was watching me just now?" Levi’s actions did not escape Sikong Xu’s notice. Seeing no ill intent, Sikong Xu ignored it, thinking, If given the chance, I must spar with the Captain someday!

Physically, both were human—perhaps Levi was slightly superior, but not to the extent of rivaling a titan. In terms of technique, Levi’s skills were honed through endless battles with titans; Sikong Xu, empowered by "Infinite Martial Cultivation," could match him in mastery. Who was stronger? Only a bout between them would tell.

They sped through the town, barely pausing for breath, and within minutes arrived at the battle’s forefront.

"Captain—it’s Captain Levi!"

"Wonderful, the Captain is here! The fight will be over soon!"

"Looks like the Survey Corps reinforcements are almost here. Everyone, hold on just a bit longer!"

Levi’s popularity was immense; to most soldiers, he was instantly recognizable as "humanity’s strongest." His presence on the battlefield was not only a matter of overwhelming combat prowess but also a source of morale—a spiritual pillar. With him around, victory seemed inevitable.

At the front, the conspicuous breach in the wall had been blocked with a massive boulder. Eren, transformed into a titan, leaned against it, evidently unconscious from the exertion of moving the stone.

Upon reaching the battlefield, Levi no longer paid attention to Sikong Xu. He became an executioner, mercilessly harvesting titan lives and rescuing soldiers on the verge of being devoured.

"Tch—what a tragedy." Sikong Xu muttered as he surveyed the blood and grotesque remains scattered about. If not for "Infinite Martial Cultivation" fortifying his psyche, he might have vomited on the spot.

"Mikasa, Armin?" Seeing Mikasa and Armin struggling to pull Eren from the titan’s body, Sikong Xu hurried over. Two titans appeared along the way.

Perhaps due to the intensity of battle, there were no buildings near the blocked breach—just open ground. In such a place, the effectiveness of the mobility gear was severely limited. Typically, without horses, humans would be helpless before titans on open ground.

Fortunately, Sikong Xu was no ordinary man. Even here, he could easily slay a titan or two.

Using the steel claws of his mobility gear, Sikong Xu struck the nape of one titan. He sprinted, circling in a half arc, then propelled himself upward with a burst of gas.

Launching mid-run, his aerial trajectory became an arc, allowing him to evade the second titan’s attack.

With a swift slash, the first titan fell to his blades. Instantly, Sikong Xu’s predatory gaze locked onto the second titan.

Seconds later, the second titan collapsed behind him.

Exhaling deeply, Sikong Xu approached Mikasa. "How’s Eren?"

"Part of his body is fused with the titan. We can’t pull him free," Armin replied, straining to tug Eren out.

"Just cut it," Sikong Xu said, and immediately sliced through the flesh binding Eren to the titan.

"Wait—" Armin tried to stop him, but Sikong Xu’s speed made it impossible.

Yet Armin’s fears proved unfounded. He expected Sikong Xu to sever Eren’s limbs, but upon opening his eyes saw that his blade work was so precise he’d only cut the titan’s flesh, not even touching a single hair on Eren.

"Phew... I thought you were going to..." Armin sighed in relief upon seeing Eren unharmed.

"Haha, how could I? I’m confident in my technique. Besides, even if Eren lost his limbs, wouldn’t they just grow back?" Sikong Xu laughed.

"In any case, the breach is blocked. All that’s left is cleanup."

"Yes, though who knows how many more will die..." Armin lamented.

"Xu, are you hurt?" Mikasa stepped forward, gently checking Sikong Xu’s body.

Her intimate gesture made Sikong Xu blush.

"N-no, I’m fine. There’s no way those titans could injure me."

"That’s true," Mikasa smiled, evidently delighted he was unharmed.

Sikong Xu was momentarily transfixed.

...

With the wall’s breach sealed, both the Garrison Regiment and the returning Survey Corps began a two-day cleanup inside the city. As expected, Eren was arrested, and the government convened a military tribunal to judge him for his identity as a titan.

Sikong Xu, Mikasa, and Armin, Eren’s childhood friends, all attended. To Sikong Xu, the meeting was nothing more than a show for the ruling powers to mask their own fear.

The presiding judge was humanity’s military commander-in-chief, Darius Zackly.

From the outset, the meeting was fraught with two opposing voices: the Survey Corps, determined to protect Eren, arguing that he could be humanity’s strength; and the Military Police, demanding his execution, claiming the titan’s power was a threat.

The situation was tense—even the commander-in-chief hesitated to decide. In the end, Levi and Eren staged a desperate act, promising that Levi could kill Eren at any time, convincing Darius Zackly to let the Survey Corps take custody.

Thus, Eren’s titan transformation was temporarily resolved. Throughout the meeting, Sikong Xu neither spoke nor took a stance, knowing the storyline favored Eren and not wanting to interfere unnecessarily lest something unexpected occur.

Next, it was time to choose which of the three military branches to join.